NV Rare Wine Co. (Vinhos Barbeito) - Madeira Savannah Verdelho

As President, Jefferson ordered (in barrel) the equivalent of more than 3500 bottles of Madeira for the White House cellar over the first three years of his presidency.

These were supplied by Thomas Newton of Norfolk, Virginia. Newton recommended them to Jefferson as “Brasil Quality ... superior to any other.”

Jefferson loved the Brasil Madeira, reordering it on a regular basis. But on one occasion Newton was able to supply only “good” rather than “superior” quality as the latter was already spoken for.

So, Jefferson took Newton up on his offer of a yearly allocation of the “superior” shipped directly from the island. And when in France in the 1780s—as the American minister—Jefferson asked that his Madeira be shipped via the U.S. rather than risk getting Madeira of questionable quality on the Continent.

Jefferson was not only the foremost American wine enthusiast of his time, he was also its savviest.

The Thomas Jefferson Special Reserve is a fitting tribute to a towering American, both as statesman and wine connoisseur. We are pleased and honored to be able to offer it.

-Importer notes